President Bola Tinubu has stated that the positive reports on Nigerians in the diaspora will inspire the younger generation to uphold values that enhance the nation’s image.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday while receiving Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, and the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius F. Sandy, he commended Nigerians abroad for their contributions.
President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from Legesse Geremew Haile, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria, and Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Nigeria.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), the Canadian High Commissioner informed President Tinubu that Nigerians in Canada are actively engaged in education, sports, science, health, and business.
He noted that Nigerians in Canada demonstrate high levels of responsibility, civility, and determination in pursuing their goals.
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“For us, Nigeria is a key partner. You are the largest country in Africa, with one of the largest economies. You are also Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa.
“I would like to strengthen our positive relations built over the years. The Nigerian diaspora in Canada is dynamic and influential. We have Nigerians in government, business, science, and sports. We aim to deepen these ties further,” the Canadian High Commissioner said.
Salvaggio, who had previously worked in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, stated that Canada seeks to expand its partnerships with Nigeria in oil and gas, ICT, and agriculture.
President Tinubu praised the accomplishments of Nigerians abroad, describing them as an inspiration to many.
“It is always encouraging to hear about the success of Nigerians in the diaspora,” he said.
In another meeting with the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to developing the West African region and the continent as a whole.
The President told the envoy that Nigeria’s long-standing investment in Sierra Leone has contributed to Africa’s progress and strengthened bilateral relations.
The High Commissioner expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s support in maintaining stability in Sierra Leone.
“In Sierra Leone, more Nigerians are engaged in business than Sierra Leoneans. Most of my teachers in school were Nigerians. There is little distinction between a Nigerian and a Sierra Leonean when walking the streets of Freetown,” he remarked.
At another meeting with the Ethiopian envoy, President Tinubu discussed the strong relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
“We must continue working together to promote peace and stability on our continent. Insecurity remains Africa’s greatest challenge, hindering development. No one will bring peace to us—we must achieve it ourselves,” he stated.
The Ethiopian Ambassador responded, “I am in Nigeria to build on the achievements of my predecessors. We will focus on cultural relations, which are already thriving, particularly through Ethiopian Airlines.”
After receiving the Letter of Credence from the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican, President Tinubu commended the Catholic Church for its contributions to education and efforts to alleviate poverty.
“We place great value on education in Nigeria, and the Catholic Church has played a significant role in this area, as well as in the fight against poverty. Education is key to reducing ignorance and poverty,” he said.
President Tinubu added that he looked forward to strengthening relations with the Vatican’s leadership in Nigeria.
